consist

[ verb kuhn-sist; noun kon-sist ]

verb (used without object)

1. to be made up or composed (usually followed by of ):

   This cake consists mainly of sugar, flour, and butter.

2. to be comprised or contained (usually followed by in ):

   Her charm does not consist only in her beauty.

3. Archaic. to exist together or be capable of existing together.
4. Obsolete. to insist; urge.

noun

1. Railroads.
   1. the rolling stock, exclusive of the locomotive, making up a train.
   2. a record made of this rolling stock.

consist

/ kənˈsɪst /

verb

1. foll by of to be composed (of); be formed (of)

   syrup consists of sugar and water

2. foll byin or of to have its existence (in); lie (in); be expressed (by)

   his religion consists only in going to church

3. to be compatible or consistent; accord

Word History and Origins

Origin of consist¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin consistere “to stand together, stand firm,” from con- con- + sistere “to stand, cause to stand”; stand, stasis, status

Word History and Origins

Origin of consist¹

C16: from Latin consistere to halt, stand firm, from sistere to stand, cause to stand; related to stāre to stand

Example Sentences

According to the Journal, the panel would consist of ranking retired officers who were empowered to recommend removal of former peers deemed to be “lacking in requisite leadership qualities.”

From Los Angeles Times

Catamarans consist of two parallel hulls connected by a single deck, and range from lightweight boats used in Olympic sailing, to huge passenger ferries.

From BBC

Unified redistricting commission would consist of 14 members, at least four of whom must be parents or guardians of pupils who attend a district school at the time of their selection.

From Los Angeles Times

The stands consist of two triangular hardwood structures that clip together through magnets, with naturally tanned leather attachments for the guitars to rest on.

From Los Angeles Times

Games will consist of two 20-minute halves with a running clock until the final two minutes of each half.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dwell
• subsist